Definition
The physical setting of the throttle lever along its travel range, which determines how much power the engine produces. In a piston aircraft, throttle position controls the volume of fuel-air mixture delivered to the engine; in a turbine aircraft, it controls fuel flow. Throttle position is the primary pilot input for power changes and is referenced by indications such as manifold pressure, RPM, or engine pressure ratio.
Plain English
How far forward or back the throttle lever is set. Pushing it forward gives more power; pulling it back gives less.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when setting power for level flight, climbs, descents, airspeed changes, and approaches.
Derivation
Throttle comes from an old English word meaning to constrict the throat. The throttle lever literally opens or closes a valve that controls how much air or fuel reaches the engine, much like opening or closing a throat.
Why Pilots Care
Precise throttle positioning lets the pilot set and hold the exact power needed for climbs, descents, and level flight without exceeding engine limits.
Intuition Check
Do not think of throttle position as the same thing as airspeed. Throttle position is the power setting; airspeed is what the airplane does after power, pitch, and drag all act together.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling off at cruise altitude, the pilot adjusted the throttle position until the manifold pressure settled on the target value.
Example Sentence 2
In cruise the student adjusted the throttle position until the display showed the target power setting.